Take a stroll down Avenida da Liberdade

Take a stroll down Avenida da Liberdade. Leaving the lively Rossio Square one can continue the city’s itinerary reaching after a short walk another square, this time Praça dos Restauradores (Restoration Square). This rectangular square, commemorating the Portuguese independence from Spain in 1640 has a monument representing Liberty & Victory as a centerpiece. It is bordered by the Italianate Baroque Palácio Foz & the Art Deco Eden Theater. The square’s end leads to the city’s Champs-Elysées.

The Avenida da Liberdade was 1821 closed to the public and accessible just to nobility & thus was considered the city’s most privileged area. Today the avenue is dominated by cars with pedestrian zones shadowed by trees on each side, mosaic pavements & small fountains offering a great place for a stroll or a bicycle ride until you reach the Praça do Marquês de Pombal on the other end. The square honoring the city’s efficient & pragmatic governor at the time of the horrific earthquake of 1755 is also the entrance gate to the wonderful Edward VII Park.